Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.

John Arthur Blaikie b. 185–

Love’s Secret Name

SIGH his name into the night

With the stars for company,

From thy lips ’t will take fair flight,

Doing thee no injury,

If by the sea or trysting-tree

Thou breathe it in no company.

Whisper it from thy full heart,

Let none hear thy passion moan,

Safe from cruel pang or smart,

To the cold world unbeknown,

By darkling tree or silent sea

With Love alone for company.

In thy heart of hearts let sleep

All thy rapture; and his name

True in purity shall keep

All its vital force and flame;

Fickle speech and falsest jar

Come from lips that loudest are.